Ethylene glycol

Formula: C₂H₆O₂ | CAS: 107-21-1

Detecting ethylene glycol: Ethylene glycol is odourless and thus, odour does not provide any warning of hazardous concentrations. Ethylene glycol vapour is lighter than air.

Detecting ethylene glycol within transportation applications

Ethylene glycol is a key ingredient in automotive antifreeze and coolant, to help keep a car’s engine from overheating and from freezing in the winter. Ethylene glycol is a major component of deicing solutions used in a variety of transportation applications, including cars, boats and aircraft, as well as on airport runways during the cold winter months. Ethylene glycol also is an ingredient in hydraulic brake fluid products.

Shell chemicals companies are among the leading global producers of ethylene glycols – monoethylene glycol (MEG), diethylene glycol (DEG) and triethylene glycol (TEG) – with world scale plants, leading process technology and global logistics. Glycols are key intermediates in the production of polyester fibres, packaging and resins and are also used in everything from antifreezes and plasticisers to glues and film.
– Shell

Health concerns when exposed to different levels of ethylene glycol

Detecting ethylene glycol early to reduce multiple health effects
Toxic inhalation of ethylene glycol is unlikely at room temperature because of the chemical’s low volatility, but can occur when the liquid is heated, agitated, or sprayed.

Ethylene glycol is only mildly irritating to mucous membranes or skin and is slowly and poorly absorbed through the skin.

Ethylene glycol is rapidly absorbed following ingestion, which is the predominant route of exposure. Ingestion of ethylene glycol leads to systemic toxicity beginning with CNS effects, followed by cardiopulmonary effects, and finally renal failure.